What Is OCD? Symptoms of Ocd You Should Know About

We come across many people in our lives, whose behavior seems to be a little different. Their actions are not normal. They are either very obsessive about something, or maybe their habits are a little strange.

Often we make fun of them and call them ‘MAD‘. This is a very strong word to use for anyone.

You never know what these people might be going through. And it is not just with others. Sometimes our own actions seem strange to us.

But have you given a thought to these situations? It could be the ringing bell for OCD.

OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) is a mental health disorder that affects people of all ages. People, those who are suffering from OCD can have either obsessive thoughts and urges or compulsive, repetitive behaviors. Some people have both obsessions and compulsions.
In the case of Obsessions, the patient usually deals with unwanted, rude thoughts, images or commands that trigger intensely distressing feelings.

In Compulsions, an individual attempts to get rid of the obsessions and decrease his or her distress.

What are the symptoms of OCD?

The obsessive-compulsive disorder normally holds both obsessions and compulsions. But sometimes it is also possible to have only one of them.

It may or may not possible that you realize about your obsessions and compulsions are excessive or unreasonable. After a time you will start enjoying it.

You get used to such habits and behaviors. If you try to change it, it is possible that you feel helpless or irritated. And as a result, you go back to your comfort cocoon and take up those obsessions or habits again.

Obsessions and compulsions can cover many unusual things, like cleaning anything many times and rude thoughts about violence, religion and body parts, etc.

Obsessive thoughts can include:

• • Anxiety/Fear of germs or getting dirty
  • Worries about getting injured or others being injured
  • Need for things to be placed in an exact order/position
  • A belief that specific numbers or colors are “good” or “bad”
  • Constant awareness of blinking, breathing or other body sentiments
  • Baseless suspicion that a partner is unfaithful
    

Compulsive habits can include:

• • Cleaning your hand many times in a row
  • Doing any task in a specific order every time, or a certain “good” number of times.
  • Checking the locked door, light switch, and other things repetitively.
  • Need to count things, like steps or bottles.
  • Fear of touching doorknobs, using public toilets, or shaking hands.
    

Causes

The actual or proper reason for obsessive-compulsive disorder is not fully understood. However, there are many different theories, that helps in understanding this disease.

• • Biology

Sometimes OCD may be the result of changes in your own body’s natural chemistry or brain functions.

• • Genetics

It is possible that sometimes OCD may have a genetic part, but specific genes responsible for this are yet to be identified.

• • Environment

Also, sometimes environmental factors are responsible such as infections are suggested as a trigger for OCD. But this reason is not confirmed yet.

Still, doctors are not sure about it why people have OCD. Some area of the brain seems normal as usual in the people with OCD. But still, we can’t say the appropriate reason behind this.

According to the surveys, OCD is slightly more common in women than in men. Also in many cases, symptoms of OCD often appear in teens or young adults also. Many times stress can make these symptoms more dangerous.

Other than the reasons mentioned above, there are some other possible reasons like:

• • A parent, sibling or child with OCD (Family history)
  • Depression, anxiety or tics
  • Experience with trauma
  • Physical or sexual abuse during childhood

Risk factors:

There are many factors that may increase the risk of developing or triggering obsessive-compulsive disorder:

• • Family problems

Everyone has a history and sometimes those history disturb you, this also results in developing OCD.

• • Stressful life events

Life is full of stress! In our daily life, we deal with work stress, financial stress, relationship stress, etc.
In case if you have undergone traumatic or stressful events then your risk may increase. And sometimes stress triggers intrusive thoughts, which can cause OCD.

• • Other mental health disorders

There are many other mental health disorders, such as anxiety disorders, depression, substance abuse or tic disorders which cause OCD.

Treatment:

Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is the most effective treatments for OCD. Your doctor may prescribe you medicine and send you to talk therapy, called psychotherapy or maybe both.

Medicines and therapies can be an option, but consulting a psychiatrist is also equally important.

However, Book an appointment with the best psychiatrist as soon as possible, this is the best way to get rid off your OCD problem. Visiting a specialist will help you to prevent OCD from worsening, disrupting activities and your daily routine.